Anxiety & heart palpitations

[mommaofx2]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone else suffers with palpitations and ectopic beats (extra beat) as well as anxiety? I have had palpitations on and off for about 8 years now and I've had them investigated by two private cardiologists and also have seen many drs at various points who all say they're harmless and common these ectopics. What doesn't help is that I suffer with health anxiety quite badly and so I do think they feed each other at times as I find it hard to trust in the drs. I can't get all these awful thoughts out of my head that something will happen to me and nobody will be around to help. The palpitations have recently ramped up quite a lot and the cardiologist could see from my ecg that at times I have them every other beat and it's got a name, which googling it scared me further. I don't know what's caused this - could it be anxiety? I know he'd call me in if any problems, but this is mentally very difficult to deal with on top of everything else. We have had a very tough few years as a family which has caused the health anxiety according to my cbt therapist. If anyone has any tips to deal with these palpitations I'd be very grateful as I'm not coping well them at the moment. Thank you x

How old are you? It can be caused by being menopausal/peri menopausal. The drop in hormones somehow causes it. Could you consider trying hrt if you're at that age?

Has a doctor ever discussed Propranolol with you? It's a beta blocker that can help reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.
For me, if I take one at the onset of a panic attack it shortens the experience (along with breathing exercises) quite considerably.

I'm in my early 30's. Have wondered before if hormonal related, but it happens at random and no pattern to episodes. Today is the worst day I've ever had with them, palpitations have literally not stopped all day. Whenever I think they've settled I'll feel a skip and they start again. Really horrible and worrying.
I have discussed a beta blocker with my GP to take as and when I need them, but I'm not sure the palpitations are solely caused by anxiety? Today for example, I've had an easy day, my husband has been off work to help with the children and so I've been as relaxed as I can be really and still I've been dogged by an almost constant skip in my heart rhythm. We do have a lot on our plates atm in general, but nothing major to worry about right at this moment. Do beta blockers just stop skips/palpitations by stopping stress hormones affecting your heart? I've not been on the verge of a panic attack or anything today. I worry about the side effects of them but if things carry on as they are I'm going to give them a go as I can't keep doing this.
Do you think generalised anxiety can cause such dramatic symptoms even when I'm not particularly anxious and for such a prolonged period? In the past I've felt physical symptoms of anxiety but only temporarily, never for so long.
Thank you so much for replies x

Yeah I get them. I take beta blockers and they either stop or I don't notice them anymore.

Don't underestimate anxiety, it's not good for you physically.

Hi gamerchick, do you have to take them on a daily basis? I really don't want to do that, but I need something to manage things for a while. I just don't get why it happens when I'm not even anxious!!

I get them. I’ve had every heart test going and all looks good and my cardiologist has said they’re completely benign and very common. I don’t notice them much now I’ve been given the all-clear and a medical expert has told me they’re nothing.

You’ve been completely checked out and the doctor has said you’re fine. Try to think about that when you’re feeling anxious about it all. I know it’s easier said than done but if you’re not careful this could spoil your life and you’ll miss out on stuff because you’re obsessing (been there, OP). Best of luck to you xx

Hi, I should first mention I do suffer with anxiety at times but have also had palpitations on and off for many years - they've been investigated by a cardiologist on more than one occasion and he seems to think they're innocent.

I have just had a very strange frightening episode. I was asleep and was woken feeling slightly strange. I had only been awake seconds and I suddenly felt my heartbeat shoot up suddenly and start pounding in my chest. It felt like it built up to a peak and then started to subside and come down - it maybe lasted about a minute until it felt normal speed.

I have had this in the past and put it down to maybe anxiety, but I am beginning to think it’s not as I was perfectly fine when I went to sleep.

I know ‘Dr Google’ is not a very helpful things to do, but would atrial fibrillation have been picked up by now on my various tests over the years? I feel too scared to sleep now or be on my own. Surely if it was some kind of panic attack I'd have it in the day and I've not been all that anxious today.

Thank you x

Hi all, Random question does anyone ever suffer with heavy aching arms (especially the tops) with anxiety? Thank you x

Hi OP, I've had irregular heartbeats in the past due to anxiety and spent many nights wide awake with my heart pounding, feeling like it was about to burst.

Like you, I got checked over and nothing found. As a PP said, when you worry try to remember that a specialist has told you it's benign. I know with health anxiety you start to mistrust doctors, but the fact is that you've had thorough checks and if something serious had been found, they'd have acted on it.

As for the arm ache- I've also had random muscular aches due to anxiety. It's incredible the number of different physical symptoms that can be caused by an unwell brain.

Can you talk to your GP about health anxiety? They can refer you for Talking Therapies/online CBT, which I found helpful.

Hi. Is anyone still active in this group. Would love to discuss some things about health anxiety and palpatations xx